Twenty-three different nations are set to take part in this year's Finals. In order to reach the Finals every nation, with the exception of the host nation, had to win through one of five regional qualifying zones: Africa, North/Central America, South America, Europe and Asia/Oceania.

Former boys’ champions Chile (2010), Australia (2007), Italy (2006), France (2005) and Great Britain (2004) are notable absentees in the boys’ competition, while former girls’ winners Slovakia (2012), Serbia (2011), Belarus (2004) and Netherlands (2002) do not feature in the girls’ event.